Which to choose – a deck or a patio? A deck is part of your house…a patio is part of your yard. Decks have supporting structure and an elevated floor…Towns consider decks to be additions and tax them…Patios are exempt from those rules…Patios are less expensive….

Must I shovel the snow off my deck? Actually, you don’t….Don’t shovel your deck to avoid collapse….Don’t shovel your deck to protect the wood….Do clear the snow to provide an exit path….If you do shovel your deck, here are some TIPS:

Synthetic decking manufacturers promise “Low Maintenance” — but what does “low” mean? Will you have to scrub your deck once a month or just hose it off once a year?…There are 4 threats to your deck…In summary, you have two choices..

So, you love wood, real wood, but hate the maintenance. Wood is warm and rich; ….It is strong and natural and authentic. It is not trying desperately to look like something it isn’t….How about wood that needs no maintenance?…